What if we told you that something as simple as exercise boosts cancer survival and reduces recurrence?

It is not a theory, but the result of a major new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) in June 2025. Researchers followed almost 900 people post-chemotherapy for colon cancer and found that those who took part in a structured, long-term exercise program after treatment had 28% fewer recurrences and were 37% more likely to survive (New England Journal of Medicine, 2025). 

What this really means 

For years, doctors have said exercise is “good for you,” with some studies showing how effective exercise is for reducing your risk of disease to begin with. A study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the University of Oxford (Shreves, A. H., et al., 2025) shows that doing daily light or moderate intensity activity, like walking, chores, or other everyday movement, reduces your chances of developing cancer by 26%. 

And now with studies like the one published by the NEJM (2025) proving it can change survival outcomes. It is no longer a suggestion and should be a part of everyday life. 

Beyond lowering cancer risk, consistent exercise: 

It is not about running marathons or living at the gym. It is about staying active and consistent. The point is: movement is the key. 

How much exercise makes a difference 

You do not need to train like an athlete. The Structured Exercise after Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer study followed a practical routine that aligns closely with global health guidelines. 

The participants in the trial started exercising soon after finishing chemotherapy, with regular training groups and support to help them stay consistent over three years. But that is a formality for the sake of the study; you do not a coach or a group to make it happen! 

The sweet spot: 

Just 30 minutes a day, five days a week, or even three 10-minute walks a day, if that is what fits your routine.  

Why it works 

Consistent movement improves: 

Every step counts. In fact, brisk walking alone has been linked to lower risk of several cancers, heart disease, and early death in multiple studies. 

Practical advice for starting out 

If you’ve finished treatment or you are just beginning to exercise: 

Barriers to exercise 

For many women, it’s not motivation that’s missing. It’s the right equipment. 

Research from the University of Portsmouth’s Research Group in Breast Health found that nearly 17% of women say their breasts stop them from exercising, often because of pain, lack of proper support, or embarrassment about movement. 

Up to 72% of women report breast pain during exercise (Burnett, E., et al., 2015). That’s not just uncomfortable, it’s a barrier to one of the most powerful disease-fighting tools we have. 

Where the right bra changes everything 

Unsupported movement doesn’t just cause pain, it alters posture, breathing, and balance. Your chest can move as much as 20 cm vertically during a run without the right bra (Scurr, et al., 2011), throwing your body off balance and causing pain. 

A proper sports bra reduces bounce, eases strain on ligaments and lets your rib cage expand freely so you can breathe better and move for longer. 

At Tigers Eye, we talk a lot about “support,” not just for your breasts, but for your health. Because when your body feels secure, you can move with confidence. And that movement might just save your life. 

The takeaway 

The science is loud and clear: 
Exercise is one of the most effective, affordable, and accessible ways to prevent and recover from disease, but also to live longer, better lives. 

But for women, the first step to that life-saving movement might simply be finding a bra that lets them move without pain. 

Support your breasts. Support your body. Support your health. 

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